Hilfenhaus and Starc in Test battle

National chairman of selectors John Inverarity says Ben Hilfenhaus needs to sort out his bowling action once again if he is to win back his Test spot.

Both Peter Siddle and Hilfenhaus were rested from Australia's recent 309-run loss to South Africa in Perth due to their heavy workloads in the drawn Test in Adelaide.

But while powered-up vegetarian Siddle is a guarantee to return for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Hobart next week, Hilfenhaus is facing an uphill battle to win back his spot, despite being named in Australia's 12-man squad.

Selectors have become concerned at how often Hilfenhaus' bowling action has deteriorated in recent years, and the 29-year-old is also battling a slight knee niggle.

Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc claimed figures of 2-55 and 6-154 against South Africa in Perth, and also cracked an unbeaten 68 off 43 balls in Australia's doomed run chase.

And with left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson almost certain to retain his spot, the fight is on between Starc and Hilfenhaus for the final pace berth.

"In the series against England in Australia (two years ago), Hilfenhaus didn't bowl to his highest level," Inverarity said on Thursday.

"He got things sorted out, and a few niggles were sorted out, and he got his bowling action right.

"And his bowling last summer was superb.

"But his bowling in the first Test (against South Africa) was a bit like against England.

"It wasn't as good as we'd hoped.

"So he really needs to get 100 per cent fit to perform, and (fix) his action, so that he bowls like he did against India last summer.

"We are hopeful that during this little break, he'll be back to that form."

Inverarity also defended the decision to rest Siddle for the third and deciding Test against South Africa, which the Proteas won for a 1-0 series triumph.

"He wasn't fit to perform - it's as simple as that. It was a very clear decision," Inverarity said.

And with emerging paceman Josh Hazlewood joining Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and Ryan Harris on the sidelines, Inverarity said the glut of injuries to the nation's quicks had become a major concern.

AAP

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